Buy Yourself Flowers... Happy Valentine's Day! (Patreon)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here is your friendly reminder to pamper yourself; buy yourself flowers, feel your own skin, and give yourself some love. Of course, this is a holiday where we show our loved ones appreciation, but don't ever forget about yourself. Some people get emotional and bogged down during the 14th of February because they are lonely or single... but I don't think Valentine's Day has to revolve around romantic relationships. I understand the pressure the holiday may bring, but it's just another day, though beautifully dedicated to the act of love and compassion and community. I think we often forget to love ourselves first and this can be an opportunity to remind yourself how thankful you are for your own body, your own brain, your own mind and your own free will. You're amazing! Don't ever forget that.

I understand the anxiety and trauma, though; I was often the kid in grade school that dreaded attending class on Valentine's day because I wasn't very popular or well liked. I never had roses bought and delivered to me like some of the other girls. In younger years, I only got the obligatory card everyone was forced to place into one another's decorated Valentine bags in elementary school, and sometimes even then I missed out on a card or two. I remember it giving me butterflies to see who placed a card in my bag, and I was always afraid someone would write or say something mean. 

Even though I dreaded the day as a kid, I've grown to really love the holiday. I love love. It's beautiful and healthy and makes us feel good. It drives us and comforts us. Whether it be friends, family, or significant others, love and community is so very important. Like with Christmas, some dislike the commercial aspect of the holiday, which is understandable; however, I hold fast to the notion that even if there is pressure for monetary spending, it doesn't have to be that and it really isn't about that at all. Sure, it's fun and nice to do if you can... but even a hug and a heartfelt moment can be all it takes to show your appreciation for someone.

So, anyway, I'm incredibly pleased with how these self-portraits turned out. They're exactly what I had envisioned, which rarely happens, and I think I am going to order a few prints from this set. I may even go back and explore more edits, but with all the birthdays and shows and celebrations I've had to attend this month, I ran a little behind on editing. These photos were all of my favorites I had selected in the culling process, though I'm sure there's still a few other goodies that could be edited for you guys. 

My friend Bethanie saw these insane boots on the FaceBook Marketplace and sent the link over to me; they were $30 and just a small drive to Atlanta away, so I snagged them. So glad I did! They worked so well for this concept. I didn't have time to shoot my other concept I purchases red roses for, but that's okay. This set really speaks to me and helped me learn a lot more about my editing style, my studio, and how to remove tattoos in post! I've also been trying to experiment more with abstract cropping and perspectives, like the focused leg compositions here. Which is your favorite shot? 

Any Valentine's plans for the evening? My boyfriend and I usually go out, but this year, we decided to stay home and make dinner for one another. I'm preparing the lobster and he is preparing ribeye (if you don't recall, I'm pescetarian, but he prides himself on his steak and really wanted to cook it for me, so I obliged). I think I need to pick up a bottle of wine and perhaps a dessert for us and think up a good movie to watch. It'll be a nice, cozy night at home with the cats... which reminds me, they need some yummy tuna for their Valentine's dinner!

Wishing you nothing but love and peace and admiration on this kind, warm holiday. Love you and appreciate you, always.

Self-portrait, Lilith J. Photography
My Home Studio
Boots thrifted
Gainesville, Georgia 2023